News Release

BAXTER GRANTS STOCK OPTIONS TO MORE THAN 41,000 BAXTER TEAM MEMBERS

Company Provides Team Members with the Opportunity to Share in its Success


DEERFIELD, Ill., March 19, 2001 - Baxter International Inc. (NYSE: BAX) announced today that the company has granted 100 stock options to eligible Baxter employees worldwide. For the first time in Baxter's history, more than 41,000 individuals are receiving the opportunity to participate in the shareholder value they help to create.

"This global stock option plan will enable our team members to benefit directly from the results of our collective focus on driving profitable growth and continuing improvement in operational excellence," said Harry M. Jansen Kraemer, Jr., chairman and chief executive officer.

Baxter's 2001 Global Stock Option Plan aligns the incentives of Baxter team members with those of Baxter's shareholders.

"Baxter's success is a result of the hard work, dedication and commitment of everyone on our team. This plan is an important step forward in our efforts to build the best team in health care and become one of the most admired companies," Kraemer continued.

Baxter International Inc. is a global medical products and services company that, through its subsidiaries, provides critical therapies for people with life-threatening conditions. Baxter's products and services in bioscience (biopharmaceuticals, vaccines, biosurgery products and blood therapies), medication delivery and renal therapy are used by health-care providers and their patients in more than 100 countries.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

	Media Contacts: Margaret Stanford Shubny, (847) 948-3951   Investor Contacts: Neville Jeharajah, (847) 948-2875 Mary Kay Ladone, (847) 948-3371