Aer Lingus (EI, Dublin International) has been linked to three potential merger and acquisition scenarios following the publication of the United Kingdom's Competition Commission's (UKCC) ruling last week in which it directed Ryanair (FR, Dublin International) to reduce its near 30% stake in Aer Lingus immediately. According to the Irish Independent, Aer Lingus is involved in merger talks with another undisclosed airline said to be interested in taking a significant stake in the Irish carrier. The report claims that while the Irish carrier's management has "determined that the possible deal will only result in limited revenue and growth opportunities, it could generate cost savings of between EUR35million and EUR50million across a number of operational activities." There are also potential fleet and maintenance synergies that have been identified by Aer Lingus. It claims there is no likelihood of a deal being reached any time soon. In the UKCC's Ryanair ruling, it was also revealed that the Irish national carrier had, early in 2012, entered confidential discussions with an unnamed airline regarding a possible tie up; a deal that would have hinged on Ryanair disposing or reducing its stake. "Discussions had progressed to the stage of a confidential exchange of financial information, and contacts had taken place between senior management and respective financial advisers, but these ended following the announcement of Ryanair's hostile bid," Aer Lingus told the UK watchdog. It has also been revealed that talks regarding the potential acquisition of another carrier, believed to be Aer Arann Regional (Dublin International), were also held prior to the latter's subsequent acquisition by the Stobart Group.