Exhibit 99.1
Bird Announces Upsizing of Vehicle Financing Credit Facility with Apollo to $150 Million
(Los Angeles, CA) – October 12, 2021 – Bird Rides, Inc. (“Bird” or the “Company”), a leader in environmentally friendly electric transportation, today announced that it has secured commitments from Apollo Investment Corporation (NASDAQ: AINV) and MidCap Financial Trust (each managed or advised by Apollo Capital Management, L.P. or its affiliates, collectively “Apollo”) to upsize its existing $40 million vehicle financing credit facility to $150 million, subject to the closing of the previously announced business combination with Switchback II Corporation (“Switchback II”; NYSE: SWBK).
Yibo Ling, Chief Financial Officer at Bird, commented, “We are pleased to have delivered against our stated objective to expand our vehicle financing capabilities through the upsizing of our credit facility. This commitment from Apollo reflects further confidence in the strong cash generating capabilities of our electric vehicle fleet enabled by our multi-year track record of over 100 million rides. With the increased liquidity provided by the upsized facility, we believe we are well positioned to support our expansion plans.”
Apollo Managing Director, Aaron Kless said, “We are pleased to support Bird through the upsizing of the credit facility, helping the Company to enhance its vehicle financing capabilities and execute on its strategy. Bird has demonstrated strong performance and we look forward to continuing to work with the Company as it nears completion of its public listing.”
Switchback II Shareholder Vote
As previously announced, the Extraordinary General Meeting of Switchback II to vote on the business combination with Bird is scheduled to be held on November 2, 2021, at 10:00 a.m., Eastern time. The closing of the business combination is subject to approval by Switchback II’s shareholders and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.
Every vote is important and Switchback II encourages all shareholders to make their voice heard by voting as soon as possible, regardless of the number of shares held. For information on the meeting and how to vote please go to https://swbk2.com/vote/.
About Bird
Bird is an electric vehicle company dedicated to bringing affordable, environmentally friendly transportation solutions such as e-scooters and e-bikes to communities across the world. Founded in 2017 by transportation pioneer Travis VanderZanden, Bird is rapidly expanding. Today, it provides fleets of shared micro electric vehicles to riders in more than 300 cities globally and makes its products available for purchase at www.bird.co and via leading retailers and distribution partners. Bird partners closely with the cities in which it operates to provide a reliable and affordable transportation option for people who live and work there.
About Switchback II Corporation
Switchback II was formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, amalgamation, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses or entities. Switchback II focused its search for a target business in the broad energy transition or sustainability arena targeting industries that require innovative solutions to decarbonize in order to meet critical emission reduction objectives.
Important Information About the Proposed Transaction and Where to Find It
In connection with the proposed business combination, Bird Global, Inc. (“Bird Global”) filed a registration statement on Form S-4 (File No: 333-256187) (as amended, the “Registration Statement”) with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The Registration Statement includes a prospectus of Bird Global and a proxy statement of Switchback II. The Registration Statement has been declared effective by the SEC and the definitive proxy statement/prospectus has been mailed to Switchback II shareholders. Additionally, Switchback II and Bird Global filed and will file other relevant materials with the SEC in connection with the business combination. Copies may be obtained free of charge at the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov. Security holders of