Two big office supply retailers are now in discussion on merger that could be possibly announced before the month of February ends.

According to sources, Office Depot is currently in conversation with OfficeMax about merging each other and both are looking forward to come up with the price of the all-stock deal.

Meanwhile, representatives for Office Depot have not yet commented on the matter, while OfficeMax spokesperson explained that they are asked to remain silent about the stock market rumor.

It has been speculated that the second and third largest office supply retailers in the U.S. have an aim to combine in an attempt to compete dominating rival Staples Inc., which is considered as the leading retailer in the country with wide profit margin.

In 1997, both OfficeMax and Staples attempted to merge but were prevented by regulators on concerns that the merger would result in higher prices of items that are frequently purchased, mainly notebooks.