11.UK-based GlaxoSmithKline acquired a 9.9 percent stake in South Korea's leading pharmaceutical company Dong-A for $112 millioin May 2010, as part of a larger strategic alliance expanding GlaxoSmithKline's presence in the South Korean market.

12.Japan's Astellas Pharma acquired US biotech OSI Pharmaceuticals for $4 billion in June 2010, boosting its US profile and oncology presence.

13.South Africa's leading drug maker Aspen Pharmacare acquired the drug manufacturing operations of Australia's Sigma Pharmaceuticals for $800 million in August 2010, gaining control of a substantial generics business and saving the Australian company from serious debt issues.

14.US-based Abbott acquired Indian company Piramal's domestic formulations business for $3.7 billion in September 2010, making Abbott the largest player in India.

15.Sanofi acquired Chinese pharmaceuticals player BMP Sunstone for $520 millio in November 2010, attempting to penetrate the Chinese market initially through consumer health.