Every foreign corporation which on the effective date of this chapter is authorized to do business in this state under a certificate of authority heretofore issued to it by the secretary of state shall continue to have such authority. Such foreign corporation, its shareholders, directors and officers shall have the same rights, franchises and privileges and shall be subject to the same limitations, restrictions, liabilities and penalties as a foreign corporation authorized under this chapter, its shareholders, directors and officers respectively. Reference in this chapter to an application for authority shall, unless the context otherwise requires, include the statement and designation and any amendment thereof required to be filed by the secretary of state under prior statutes to obtain a certificate of authority.