A dissident group of Bank of America shareholders launched a battle on Wednesday to prevent the beleaguered bank’s board from naming as chief executive one of two men who were deeply involved in the controversial acquisition of Merrill Lynch last year.

The two men, Brian Moynihan and Greg Curl, are considered to be the strongest of the inside candidates vying for the job of Ken Lewis, who announced last week that he would retire at year’s end. Both of them were heavily involved in the same aspects of the Merrill deal that ultimately undermined Mr Lewis’ position.