The two cities talked about a potential merger for years, starting in the late 1970s.

A potential merger could adversely affect the two smaller Bells.

It was the third time that a potential merger has fallen through for the Boston bank.

This idea was given-up early 2011, as the two parties could not find an agreement on the details of such a potential merger.

Q. Are there any potential mergers out there that you think make a great deal of sense?

"The parties recognize that a business rationale for a potential merger exists," the companies said.

There, they were expected to discuss a potential merger.

The deal is also expected to make Powergen a more attractive partner in a potential merger.

Heffernan saw this as the first step in a potential merger between the two parties.

Wall Street reacted positively to news of a potential merger.