May 2 (Reuters) - Canadian oil producer Imperial Oil ( IMO )

posted a rise in first-quarter profit on Friday, buoyed

by improved refining margins.

The Calgary, Alberta-based company said its net income rose

to C$1.29 billion ($933.23 million), or C$2.52 per share, in the

quarter ended March 31, from C$1.2 billion, or C$2.23 per share,

last year.

($1 = 1.3823 Canadian dollars)