Herbert Smith and McGuireWoods are set to take lead roles on a multibillion-pound lawsuit brought against former Lloyds TSB directors for allegedly misleading investors over its merger with Halifax Bank of Scotland (HBOS) in 2008.

The case will be launched in the coming weeks, dependent on funding being obtained by the claimants – shareholder group Lloyds Action Now (LAN) – with the action expected to reach trial in the next two years.