Walt Disney Co is planning to acquire Lucasfilm Ltd, which created the "Star Wars" series of popular films, in a deal valued at about $4.05 billion in cash and stock.

Disney will acquire the firm from founder George Lucas, who established Lucasfilm in 1971. Disney is expected to half of the $4.05 billion in cash and the remaining through an issue of 40 million shares after the deal is closed. This will be the first major acquisition by Disney since it bought Marvel Entertainment in 2009 for $4.24 billion.

Disney will be able to generate revenues from future "Star Wars" films as well as from the merchandise related to the Star Wars franchise. Disney already features Star Wars content at its theme parks in the US, France and Japan.

The acquisition will allow the company to expand its position and become a leading player in the world of fantasy movies. The new acquisition will complement the company’s takeover of Marvel Entertainment for $4 billion in 2009 and of Pixar Animation Studios for $7.4 billion in 2006.

Mr. Lucas, who is 68 years old, has already said that he would retire from day-to-day operation of the company. Lucasfilm will now be able to expand its franchise under the much larger Disney group.