The Company's purchases and sales of business with its franchisees are aimed at achieving an optimal ownership mix in each market. Resulting gains or losses on sales of restaurant business are a recorded in operating income because these transaction are a recurring part of our business. Gain on sales of restaurant business decreased in 2014 primarily in Australia China and the U.S. The increase in 2013 was due primarily to more stores sold in Australia compared to 2012.
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates
unconsolidated affiliates and partnerships are business in which the Company actively participates, but does not control. The Company records equity in earning from these entities representing McDonald's share of results. For foreign affiliated markets-primarily Japan-results are reported after interest expense and income taxes. McDonald's share of results for partnerships in certain consolidated markets is reported before income taxes. These partnerships restaurant are operated under conventional franchise arrangements and, therefore, are classified as conventional franchised restaurants. Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates decreased in 2014 and 2013 due to weaker operating results, primarily in Japan. in 2014,Japan's performance was negatively impacted by the supplier issue.
Asset dispositions and other expense
Asset dispositions and other expense consists of gains or losses on excess property and other asset dispositions, provisions for restaurant closing and uncollectible receivables, asset write-offs due to reinvestment, and other miscellaneous income and expenses increased in 2014 primarily due to higher asset write-offs and lower other income items in the U.S. and charges related to the supplier issue in China. The decrease in 2013 was due to the favorable resolution of certain liabilities and lower asset retirements, partly offset by lower gains on property sales and unconsolidated partnership dissolutions