DUBLIN, May 2 (Reuters) - Smurfit Kappa's core

profit fell 16% to 487 million euros ($522 million) in the first

quarter despite a rise in volumes, Europe's largest paper

packaging producer said on Thursday.

Smurfit posted volume growth of 3% in Europe and 2% in the

Americas yet its margin on earnings before interest, taxes,

depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) fell to 18% from 19.3% a

year earlier.

The Irish group said it remained on track to complete its

$11 billion acquisition of U.S. rival WestRock ( WRK ) in early

July.

($1 = 0.9327 euros)