<PAGE>
Exhibit 99.1
------------
Friday December 1, 3:35 pm Eastern Time
Press Release
b2bstores.com Announces the Close of Its Website
LONG BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 1, 2000--b2bstores.com, (NASDAQ
SmallCap: BTBC - news), today announced that as previously disclosed, as part of
---- ----
its efforts to enhance shareholder value, the Board of Directors has decided to
shut down the Company's website on December 1, 2000.
Following the close of the website, the Company will retain three employees,
including Mark Voorhis, the Company's acting Chief Executive Officer and Chief
Financial Officer.
This announcement is pursuant to the Company's announcement on November 21, 2000
in which b2bstores.com, IVAX Corporation (AMEX: IVX - news), and IVAX
--- ----
Diagnostics, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of IVAX Diagnostics, entered into a
definitive merger agreement, pursuant to which, if consummated, IVAX Diagnostics
will be merged with and into the Company.
Except for the historical matters contained herein, statements in this press
release are forward-looking and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions
of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that
forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may affect the
business and prospects of IVAX Corporation and b2bstores.com (the "Companies"),
including the risks that the merger of IVAX Diagnostics, Inc. and b2bstores.com
may not be completed; that the earnings and profits of the combined company may
not continue to grow or may decline; that the combined company may not be able
to raise additional capital on favorable terms, or at all; that the Companies'
shareholder value will not be enhanced following the merger; and other risks and
uncertainties that may cause results to differ materially from those set forth
in the forward-looking statements. In addition to the risk factors set forth
above, investors should consider the economic, competitive, governmental,
technological and other factors discussed in the Companies' Annual Reports on
form 10K and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Contact:
Investor Relations:
Morgen-Walke Associates
Cheryl Schneider/Brian Schaffer
Media Relations:
Greg Tiberend/Ellen Paz
212/850-5600
