A company leasing or purchasing the property, rights, and franchises of an electric light and power company, natural or artificial gas company, or electric light and power and natural or artificial gas company, as provided in section 4951.27 of the Revised Code, has all the rights, power, and authority of the company whose property, rights, and franchises are so leased or purchased. The liability of the electric light and power company, natural or artificial gas company, or electric light and power and natural or artificial gas company shall in no manner be affected by such lease or sale.
R.C. § 4951.28