DEERFIELD, Ill., March 16, 2004 – Baxter International Inc. (NYSE: BAX) announced today that Thomas J. Sabatino, Jr., 45, has decided to resign as senior vice president and general counsel of the company to become executive vice president and general counsel of Schering-Plough Corporation in Kenilworth, New Jersey.   
 
Marla Persky, 48, deputy general counsel, will assume the role of acting general counsel.  She currently manages the law function for the company’s Renal business, as well as its litigation, regulatory and Intercontinental legal teams. 
 
“Tom has played a key leadership role at Baxter over the last six years as general counsel and a member of the executive management team, and throughout his 13 years with the company,” said Harry M. Jansen Kraemer, Jr., chairman and chief executive officer.  “We wish him well in his new career opportunity.  We are fortunate to have someone of Marla’s caliber within our legal group to assume the role as acting general counsel.” 
 
Baxter International Inc., through its subsidiaries, assists health-care professionals and their patients with treatment of complex medical conditions, including cancer, hemophilia, immune disorders, kidney disease and trauma. The company applies its expertise in medical devices, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology to make a meaningful difference in patients' lives.