Strategic acquisitions establish leadership position in the digital transformation of transport infrastructure
The acquisitions aim to build integrated solutions for smart, connected, and climate-sustainable cities, while strengthening public sector partnerships and enabling long-term expansion into international markets.
Zagreb, 23 February 2026 – Best in Parking, a leading developer, owner and operator of parking and mobility infrastructure in Central and Southeastern Europe, has further consolidated its presence in the Croatian market by integrating companies RAO and RI-ING into a unified business unit. This strategic move allows Best in Parking to expand its competencies towards the development of digital platforms, software, and Smart City solutions.
RI-ING specializes in the development of smart client applications and mobile and web platforms, while RAO develops modular software systems for traffic and parking management, electronic ticketing and ticket validation, and visitor management systems for cultural institutions, museums, and national parks. The portfolio also includes advanced solutions such as the Scan-a-Car system for mobile parking enforcement via license plate recognition, as well as integrated ticketing platforms for fee collection and visitor flow management.
By combining these capabilities, Best in Parking creates a comprehensive portfolio spanning physical infrastructure and operational management through to digital services, data analytics, and automated monitoring — covering almost the entire value chain of urban mobility and public space management. The acquisitions aim to build integrated solutions for smart, connected, and climate-sustainable cities, while strengthening public sector partnerships and enabling long-term expansion into international markets.
Best in Parking today manages more than 200 locations and app. 100,000 parking spaces, and operates in Croatia across Zagreb, Rijeka, Varaždin, Šibenik and Dubrovnik. In addition to parking, the group develops digital payment and monitoring systems, as well as the Bmove App platform, which enables contactless payment, license plate recognition, and automated parking space access management. The portfolio is further expanding into green technologies — parking lots and garages are progressively being transformed into multifunctional urban hubs with electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
The value of this approach has been validated in Dubrovnik, which has been named the European City of Ecologically Sustainable and Smart Tourism for 2026. In collaboration with the city's administrative departments for culture, heritage, and tourism, a series of solutions based on RAO's technologies have been implemented. These include a ticketing system for entry to the city walls, museums, and galleries, as well as the Dubrovnik Pass application, which — in addition to service sales — enables advanced visitor analytics and tourist flow planning. A digital solution for managing the Special Traffic Regime Zone has also been implemented, enabling controlled access to the historic core and more efficient traffic load management.
Through the application of these technologies, Dubrovnik has improved traffic management, cultural heritage protection, and tourist flow planning, while simultaneously reducing pressure on the historic city center and improving residents' quality of life. The city thus serves as an example of how digital infrastructure and mobility management are becoming essential tools for sustainable tourism.
"Urban mobility must become smarter, more digital, and more climate-friendly. By integrating RAO and RI-ING, we are not only expanding our business but also our development capabilities. This strengthens our role as a long-term partner to public administrations in improving quality of life and making more efficient use of resources," said Stipanka Ivandic Stefanek, COO, Best in Parking AG.
Siniša Lukač, Director of RAO, highlights that digital and green transition are key EU priorities: "Technology enables more efficient use of energy and space, reduction of emissions, and better management of tourist and traffic flows. Our experts develop solutions that connect digitalization and sustainability — from mobile enforcement and ticketing systems to traffic regime management — and bring them to international markets."
The group's investment cycle includes further expansion of development and production capacities and the commercialization of proprietary solutions, with the long-term goal of making advanced digital technologies accessible to cities and public institutions.
Further information on RI-ING can be found here.
Further information on RAO can be found here.