diff --git a/addons/mail/mail_mail.py b/addons/mail/mail_mail.py
index 24fa7e9a1d1..5263fb127b1 100644
--- a/addons/mail/mail_mail.py
+++ b/addons/mail/mail_mail.py
@@ -90,6 +90,7 @@ class mail_mail(osv.Model):
         if values.get('reply_to'):
             return values.get('reply_to')
         format_name = True  # whether to use a 'Followers of Pigs <pigs@openerp.com' format
+        email_reply_to = None
 
         ir_config_parameter = self.pool.get("ir.config_parameter")
         catchall_domain = ir_config_parameter.get_param(cr, uid, "mail.catchall.domain", context=context)