For most CEOs at big companies, pay is rising moderately and awards are increasingly tied to future financial performance. But the biggest rewards are going to a relative handful of executives at the very top of the scale.

The merger of Patton Boggs with Squire Sanders is an unusual outcome in an industry where attempts by distressed law firms to merge their way to stability often presage a final collapse.

Sumner Redstone, who will turn 91 on Tuesday, has recently raised more than $200 million selling stock in the two companies he controls: Viacom and CBS Corp.

Staples' top executives didn't make their performance targets last year but got paid a special bonus anyway for effort. The company said the awards were needed to retain key talent and motivate workers.