News Release

BAXTER ACQUIRES SERA-TEC BIOLOGICALS

Acquisition of Major Plasma Supplier Will Improve Access to Source Plasma

DEERFIELD, Ill., February 1, 2001 - Baxter International Inc. (NYSE:BAX) announced today that through its subsidiary Community Bio-Resources it has acquired Sera-Tec Biologicals, L.P., which owns and operates 80 plasmapheresis centers in 28 states, and a central testing laboratory. This purchase brings the total number of plasma collection centers owned by Baxter or its subsidiaries to 111 worldwide and will provide Baxter with a consistent, stable supply of source plasma for processing into life-saving, plasma-based therapies.

"The acquisition of Sera-Tec significantly expands Baxter's current network of plasma collection centers and will help to ensure dependable delivery of plasma-derived therapies to patients who rely on these critical therapies," said Thomas Glanzmann, president of Baxter's Hyland Immuno business. "Long-term access to a consistent, stable supply of source plasma to Baxter manufacturing facilities is a critical factor in meeting the growing demand for plasma protein therapeutics."

Baxter produces therapeutic proteins from plasma to treat hemophilia, immune deficiencies and other blood-related disorders. These include coagulation factors, immune globulins, albumin and wound-management therapies. Baxter currently obtains source plasma through its Community Bio-Resources U.S. plasma collection business, Baxter-owned plasma collection centers in Germany and Austria, and through independent suppliers including Sera-Tec.

"Sera-Tec has an excellent reputation throughout the plasma collection industry and complements the capabilities of Community Bio-Resources," said Glanzmann. "Both companies currently utilize the same rigorous standards for donor screening and plasma testing. By combining the plasma collection capacities of both businesses, we will be better able to leverage our production capabilities, and continue to deliver innovative therapies to patients around the world."

Baxter International Inc. is a global medical products and services company that provides critical therapies for people with life-threatening conditions. Baxter's products and services in bioscience (biopharmaceuticals and blood collection, separation and storage devices), medication delivery and renal therapy are used by health-care providers and their patients in more than 100 countries. The Hyland Immuno division of Baxter develops and produces therapeutic proteins from plasma and through recombinant methods to treat hemophilia, immune deficiencies and other blood-related disorders. Hyland Immuno's portfolio of therapies includes coagulation factors, immune globulins, albumin, wound-management products, and vaccines.

This news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including technological advances in the medical field, product demand and market acceptance, the effect of economic conditions, actions of regulatory bodies, the impact of competitive products and pricing and other risks detailed in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions made by management of the company and are believed to be reasonable, though are inherently uncertain and difficult to predict. Actual results or experience could differ materially from the forward-looking statements.

Baxter and Hyland Immuno are trademarks of Baxter International Inc.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

	Media Contacts: Deborah Spak, (847) 948-2349 Tali Kaplan, (818) 550-4680   Investor Contacts: Neville Jeharajah, (847) 948-2875 Mary Kay Ladone, (847) 948-3371