The Walt Disney Company has acquired production company Lucasfilm in a deal worth US$4.05bn (3.11bn euro, £2.5bn).

While Disney has already announced it is looking to launch a new Star Wars movie - possibly as early as 2015 - the deal is also likely to lead to more Lucasfilm-themed attractions at Disney parks.

Robert A. Iger, chair and CEO of The Walt Disney Company, said: "We have ample opportunity to expand the Lucasfilm franchise in our parks as we have room to grow what we've already got."

Currently, Disney has attractions based on Lucasfilm movies at parks in Anaheim, Florida, Paris and Tokyo. These include Star Tours, a 3D cinema experience based on the Star Wars movies and the dark ride Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Forbidden Eye.

Disney also stocks a wide range of Star Wars-related merchandise at its retail outlets.