Going private is the way to go for shy companies-Barron's

NEW YORK, June 28 (Reuters) - A column in Barron's suggested that companies go private if they were hesitant to reveal any details about their business.

One example it discussed was that of Apple Inc (AAPL.O) and constant questions about its chief executive, Steve Jobs.

Questions have been swirling about Jobs and his health in recent months. A Tennessee hospital recently confirmed that he underwent a liver transplant. [ID:nN2382309]

Jobs, considered by many investors to be the driving force behind Apple's fame for innovation -- with products such as Mac computers, the iPod and iPhone -- was treated in 2004 for a rare form of pancreatic cancer.

But he appeared gaunt at an Apple event in the summer of 2008 and announced a medical leave in January after initially blaming his weight loss on a hormone imbalance. Shares of the company have often fluctuated on speculation about his health.

But Apple has repeatedly said that it looks forward to his return at the end of June.

Apple's board silence on the issue was "appalling," according to the column.

"The health of the man who just might be the most revered CEO in America isn't considered material by Apple's board? Obviously false," the report said.

The report also cited Palm Inc's (PALM.O) reluctance to discuss early sales figures for its latest Pre mobile phone.

(Reporting by Aarthi Sivaraman; Editing by Phil Berlowitz)