DEERFIELD, Ill., October 3, 2006 – Baxter International Inc. (NYSE: BAX) announced today that its board of directors has elected to amend the company’s bylaws to adopt majority voting for the election of directors in uncontested elections, beginning with the next election of directors in May 2007.  The new standard, which requires each director to receive a majority of the votes cast, reflects Baxter’s focus on and commitment to sound corporate governance.

Previously, directors were elected under a plurality vote standard in which candidates receiving the most votes would win without regard to whether those votes constituted a majority of the shares voted. 

Baxter International Inc., through its subsidiaries, assists healthcare professionals and their patients with the treatment of complex medical conditions, including hemophilia, immune disorders, cancer, infectious diseases, kidney disease, trauma and other conditions. The company applies its expertise in medical devices, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology to make a meaningful difference in patients' lives.