AstraZeneca lifted the veil a bit today on its plans to become a bigger player in emerging markets, saying sales in those those countries will double to account for about a quarter of the British company’s total revenue by 2014.

Acquisitions and alliances are a way to grow for most global pharma companies in India – a key country in emerging markets. But they know, to grow their portfolio here, field force expansions and investments in more products is critical.

Mid-size drugmaker Elder Pharmaceuticals is increasing its stake in its Bulgarian subsidiary Elder Biomeda to 61% from the current 51% for around $12 million, people familiar with the matter said.

Torrent Pharmaceuticals has signed a supply and licensing agreement with the UK based drug maker AstraZeneca. AstraZeneca, a $32.8-billion enterprise, is the second biggest drug maker in the UK and seventh-largest pharmaceutical company in the world.