EFFECT OF CONSOLIDATION OR MERGER.

(a) In a consolidation the existence of each telephone cooperative ceases and the articles of consolidation are considered to be the articles of incorporation of the new cooperative. In a merger the separate existence of each merging telephone cooperative ceases and the articles of incorporation of the surviving cooperative are considered to be amended to the extent, if any, that amendment is provided for in the articles of merger.

(b) All the rights, privileges, immunities, property, and applications for membership of each of the consolidating or merging cooperatives are transferred to and vested in the new or surviving cooperative, except that this chapter does not relieve a cooperative of the obligation to comply with the applicable provisions of Title 2.

(c) The new or surviving cooperative is liable for all the liabilities and obligations of the consolidating or merging cooperatives. A claim existing or action or proceeding pending by or against a consolidating or merging cooperative may be prosecuted as if the consolidation or merger had not taken place, and the new or surviving cooperative may be substituted in the place of the consolidating or merging cooperative. The consolidation or merger does not impair the rights of creditors of or liens on the property of a consolidating or merging cooperative.