(1)    Authority and notice. A business entity other than an cooperative may become a cooperative by following the applicable procedure under sub. (2) or (3). A business entity shall provide its members with a disclosure statement listing the rights and obligations of the members and the capital structure of the proposed cooperative before making a conversion under this section.

   (2)   Procedure for entities organized in this state. A business entity organized under the laws of this state, other than a cooperative, that elects to make a conversion as provided under sub. (1) shall amend its organizational documents in the manner provided under the laws that govern the business entity. The business entity shall file with the department amended articles of organization that comply with s. 193.215. Upon the filing of the amended articles of organization, the business entity is converted to a cooperative and is governed by the applicable provisions of this chapter.

   (3)   Procedure for entities organized in other states. A business entity organized under the laws of another state that elects to make a conversion as provided under sub. (1) shall amend its organizational documents in the manner provided under the other state’s laws that govern the business entity. The business entity shall file with the department amended articles of organization that comply with s. 193.215. Upon the filing of the amended articles of organization, the business entity is converted to a cooperative and is governed by the applicable provisions of this chapter.

   (4)   Conversion of cooperatives organized under chapter 185. A cooperative that is organized under ch. 185 may not convert to a cooperative organized under this chapter regardless of whether the conversion is accomplished directly within Wisconsin or indirectly through or with any out-of-state entity.