375.340.  Sale and exchange of real estate. — 1.  In all cases in which life insurance companies, benefit societies or other associations doing business in this state shall have legally acquired by foreclosure or in payment of a debt previously contracted any real estate or personal property situated in this state or elsewhere, said company, society or association may upon the sale of said property take in payment or part payment thereof the stocks or bonds of any company or corporation purchasing said property and may exchange any real estate acquired in foreclosure or in payment of debts, in whole or in part, for other real estate.

  2.  This section shall not apply to an insurer organized under chapter 376.