SIMBAD references

Compared to earlier studies on the subject, we use results of intermediate mass case B close binary evolution computed with updated data, to predict the population of B-type accretion stars for different regions of star formation, in the Galaxy and in the Magellanic Clouds. We will make a distinction between accretion stars with a (helium burning) subdwarf, respectively white dwarf and neutron star companion. Our population model incorporates recent ideas on asymmetric supernova explosions. Establishing a link between the formation of B-type accretion stars (mass gainers) and the formation of Be stars enables us to get an idea about the importance of close binary evolution on the Be star phenomenon. A comparison between the obtained results and the observations, related to regions of continuous star formation and starburst regions, reveals that only a minority of the Be stars (less than 20% and possibly as low as 5%) is due to close binary evolution.