(Telecompaper) Alcatel-Lucent and French aerospace, transport and defence group Thales have opened exclusive negotiations for Thales to acquire Alcatel-Lucent's cyber-security services and communications security activities. Alcatel-Lucent's cyber-security services and communications security activities are mainly located at three sites in France (Villarceaux, Toulouse and Orvault) and three other European countries (Germany, Belgium, and the UK). As part of a contemplated partnership Alcatel-Lucent will be able to expand its commercial proposition in cyber-security, a stated intention of The Shift Plan announced last year. Under the plan being discussed, Thales would commit to providing services to Alcatel-Lucent for its customers' needs.